Spanish Chickpea & Red Bell Pepper Soup

Using jarred red peppers is a clever shortcut to bring deep roasted flavors to this vibrant soup without taking the time to roast them yourself. Chopped preserved lemon adds a nice tang to the soup, but if you can’t find it, you can use 4 teaspoons grated lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

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The combination of whole canned tomatoes and tomato paste give this soup plenty of flavor without having to chop a single tomato. An arugula and ricotta salata topper adds peppery, salty notes and a nice change in texture.

Fragrant spices including turmeric, coriander and curry powder lend deep flavor to this soup without having to simmer on the stove top for hours. A drizzle of harissa, a Moroccan-style blend, adds a kick of spice, but you can easily omit it if you can’t find it.

While this soup may seem virtuous with a trifecta of healthful green vegetables, including green peas, baby spinach and asparagus, it tastes anything but. Fragrant herbs and green onions add zing, and a dollop of crème fraîche adds a touch of indulgence to the soup.

Hearty, nourishing chickpeas make this a soup that’s satisfying enough for a meal. The earthy flavors of the spices are reminiscent of a Middle Eastern dish and are brightened up with lemon juice and an optional topping of mixed herbs.